Credit Card debt, no income
I also am being threatened by one of my creditors who has turned my account over to a law firm. They want to take me to court, but I lost my job last fall and have no income. My husband's name is not on any of my accounts. I also don't have any assets in my name that they can fall back on.
I did some research and was wondering if, in fact, I need to appear in court if summoned. I lost my unemployment and have filed an appeal. Just waiting on that issue. I tired of these creditors calling me every day. Is it wise to write to them and ask them to "cease and desist" calling me? Will that cause further problems for myself?
Comment on JudyKayTee's post
Could you go into a more detail about the "Unless you're out of Statute or almost, this might be avery good idea? If the statute is or nearly out what is the best approach? Does the statute date start with last purchase to account or date sent to collections? What if a previous collection agency for said debt has been sold to present agency which just sent notification and it has been a year's time since the previous agency sent any reminders? New agency has tacked on about $5000 worth of interest or some fees. No explanation on added fees in their letter. I want to clear this up, am not working now due to surgery and not sure if or when I will be able to return. Thank you in advance for any answers.
Comment on JudyKayTee's post
Thank you for your quick response & wishing me well.
I live In North Carolina and the latest statement from the credit card company shows payment in May 2007. How often do they pursue a court suit close to the statute of limitations date? Once the statute is up and no suit is brought will the debt still show negative on my credit rating and for how long? My spouse is not on this account will it effect his credit? Also if we apply for a loans etc. jointly would this show up?
Would it be legal for the agency to put a lien on our home or other property owned jointly? What things could I start doing right now to improve my credit rating? When writing the agency or agencies to stop contact do you recommend sending it certified mail? I would definitely keep copies of all correspondence(s).
Comment on JudyKayTee's post
I think you have covered most questions here. It is not yet past the date on the latest statement I have (not sure this is the last statement there was).
I may have more questions later once I have absorbed all of the above.
Thank you so much for your time and information.
Comment on JudyKayTee's post
I do have other questions.
Is it legal for collectors to call my spouse' cell, phone ( how they got that I don't know) saying I am deliquent on a bill and how much? My spouse is not on my account.
Is there a way to find out the exact date of activity on my account if I am not sure the statement I have is the one?
Is there a way to stop them from phone communications to me or any of my family and giving out details. They were directing the call to me. Strange they have my spouses' number but not mine.
Since the letter I received earlier this week the amount has risen by $1000.00. Must be some interest rate. Are they allowed to charge interest on the deliquent amount? How do they expect people to pay more if they can't ever catch up?
If I were to offer them a certain $$ figure and they bargain for an amount I cannot handle will the statute date start all over?